-2- 



CORN INSECTS 



Flea beetles will soon appear on newly emerging corn. Extensive feeding has already 

 occurred on some early sweet corn . If corn fields become seriously affected, apply 

 3/4 of a pound of carbaryl (Sevin) or 1-1/2 pounds of toxaphene per acre as a band 

 spray over the row. Grassy areas bordering the field should also be treated. Avoid 

 using carbaryl near beehives, and toxaphene near fish-bearing waters. 



Seed-corn beetles and maggots may develop into a problem if germination is slow and 

 if the soil is cool and wet. If replanting becomes necessary, use a diazinon planter- 

 box seed treater or an organic phosphate soil insecticide applied in a 7- inch band 

 ahead of the press wheel. 



Black cutworms have not yet been reported. We have not been able to find any in 

 cornfields as yet. With this year's delayed planting, small plants may be attacked 

 as fast as they germinate or emerge. The plant may be "eaten into the ground," so 

 watch for this type of damage as well as for cut plants. If cutting begins or if cut- 

 worms are eating plants into the ground, apply 20 pounds of carbaryl (Sevin) - apple 

 pomace bait per acre. Sprays of carbaryl to which an attractant such as Tractum or 

 molasses has been added will be fairly effective if the spray band is concentrated 

 at the row. A spray of 1 pound of trichlorfon (Dylox) per acre will also control 

 black cutworms . Use 20 gallons of water per acre when band- spraying with trichlorfon, 

 and cultivate in order to throw soil over this band in the row. 



Early detection of an infestation is essential if extensive damage is to be avoided. 

 Again, we have not seen a severe black cutworm infestation as yet, but there undoubt- 

 edly will be some. 



SOIL INSECTICIDE APPLICATION ERRORS 



A few people continue to apply the organophosphates (Dansanit, diazinon, Dyfonate, 

 Mocap, and Thimet) and the carbamate Bux directly into the planter shoe. This is a 

 serious mistake. Germination will be decreased, even under ideal germinating condi- 

 tions; and under adverse conditions, may be decreased by as much as 50 percent. 



Apply these materials only as a band ahead of the press wheel. Band spreaders should 

 be used, but if these are not available, drop the granules directly in front of the press 

 wheel from several inches above the soil level. They will tend to disperse. 



HOMEOWNER INSECT PROBLEMS 



Succulent oak galls appear as little gooseberry or currant berry- like galls on pin 

 oak leaves. Each gall contains the larva of a tiny wasp. These galls seem to be much 

 more numerous this year than usual. Even so, no chemical control is necessary because 

 no serious harm will be done to the tree. 



Pine sawflies have been observed feeding on the needles of pines, especially the red 

 and scotch varieties. These sawflies appear in large colonies on the tips of branches, 

 feeding on the old needles. These greenish- brown worms can be controlled by spraying 

 the pine trees with a spray containing carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon, or malathion. 



Aphids are appearing in home gardens on cabbage and related crops, as well as on to- 

 matoes. A spray of malathion mixed according to label directions should provide sat- | 

 isfactory control. 



